My personal journey to wellness has taught me that nurturing your body and mind is not only the greatest thing you can do for yourself; it’s the greatest thing you can do for everyone around you—for your family, your kids, your colleagues, and your community. That’s what wellness is all about.

Every day that I wake up and can go outside and watch the sunrise, I feel calm and good about starting my day. There is no better way to start a healthy day than this.

I no longer diet, as I have tried all ways of eating, from healthy to crazy—all fat, no fat, all protein, no protein, macro, vegan, raw—all of them have good pieces, but now I eat ethically and with meaning.  I don’t eat abused animals, only from local farms.  I start my day with raw food, usually a smoothie. The main thing I have discovered is balance in all my food and organic—no sugar, no processed food, and no alcohol.  When I limit addictive foods, then I have less “noise” in my brain, and how I eat becomes a very easy way of life.  I love simple, pure, and healthy food every day.

I have studied health all my life and now it is my passion and my business.  Mariel’s Kitchen is my cookie company—cookies I created that are sugar- and gluten-free.  They’re a delicious (potential meal replacement) cookie called a Blisscuit, which will soon be available all over.  The Mariel’s Kitchen Cookbook has the recipe.  I love my brand—I love that I can create food and lifestyle choices for everyone so they can live healthier, happier lives.

YOU MATTER

“You must make time for what’s most important to you.  Ask yourself questions so that you can find places where you can pull back and reset your priorities.  How much television do you watch?  Are you taking time to exercise?  Do you take five minutes to close your eyes, breathe and listen to internal whispers?  It’s often the everyday places, people and things of value that work to keep you connected and balanced.”

Removing The Stigma

I love this statement from Together Against Stigma:  ”Stigma is a major barrier preventing people from seeking help. Many people living with a mental illness say the stigma they face is often worse than the illness itself. Mental illness affects people of all ages and from all walks of life.  It can take many forms including depression, anxiety and schizophrenia.

What is Stigma?

Stigma is made up of two parts: negative and unfavorable attitudes, and negative behaviours that result from those attitudes. People living with a mental illness often experience stigma through:

Inequality in employment, housing, educational and other opportunities which the rest of us take for granted.  Loss of friends and family members  (the social and support network).”

“We navigate a difficult world and all of us need to be understood.  Please start talking about mental health and suicide.  It is an epidemic. Education and understanding are vital.  Talk about the journey of mental health with your children, teens, loved ones and friends.  It is OK to discuss.” xo Mariel